Conor Horgan was the hat-trick hero as Cork moved effortlessly into the Munster MFC semi-finals with this comprehensive first round success over Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday night. The Nemo Rangers player caught the eye in finding the net twice from play in the first half to help Cork into a 2-8 to 0-1 lead at the interval and then converted a penalty in the 42nd minute after substitute Aidan Moynihan had been fouled.

Horgan’s contribution underpinned Cork’s victory on a comfortable night for Ephie Fitzgerald’s managerial bow as Rebel minor boss. “It was over as a contest after a quarter of an hour,” admitted Fitzgerald. “We did rack up a good score and we had the extra touch of class up front. “I thought at times we gave away possession easily but maybe that’s just being hyper-critical.”

Aside from Horgan, Cork had other attacking stars in captain Brian O’Driscoll, Cathal Vaughan and Sean T O’Sullivan, who all kicked quality points as they built up a commanding first-half lead. With Thomas O’Rourke and Jamie Davis strong in defence, and Alan O’Donovan in control at midfield, Cork were full value for their substantial interval advantage. Limerick made a valiant effort to come back into contention in the second half with midfielder Robbie Burke landing some superb points.

However, Cork were always too strong and substitutes Ian Maguire and Moynihan both made fine impacts when introduced. While this was a routine assignment for Cork, they will face a greater challenge at the semi-final stage against a Tipperary side packed with All-Ireland winners. “We’ll be well prepared and well ready for it. Hopefully we’ll put it up to Tipperary,” said Fitzgerald.

Cork proved much too strong for Limerick in last night’s Munster MFC first round encounter at the Gaelic Grounds.

Cork 3-13 Limerick 0-6

Managed by former Nemo Rangers boss Ephie Fitzgerald, the visitors dominated from start to finish and were already out of sight by half-time when a brace of Conor Horgan goals had them perched on a 2-8 to 0-1 lead at the break. Limerick’s solitary first half point was scored by Sean Barrett. When the Rebels were awarded a penalty 13 minutes into the second half, Horgan stepped forward to complete his hat-trick. Cork will now face All-Ireland champions Tipperary for a place in the Munster final on May 16.

The Cork Minor Football team to play Limerick on Saturday at 7pm in the Gaelic Grounds will line out as follows:

1. Michael Martin

2. Seán O’Leary 3. Thomas O‘Rourke 4. Stephen Cronin

5. Kevin Crowley 6. Colm Hyde 7. Jamie Davis

8. Paul Fitzgerald 9. Alan O’Donovan

10. Sean T. O’Sullivan 11. Cathal Vaughan 12. Brian O’Driscoll

13. Killian McIntyre 14. Killian O’Connor 15. Conor Horgan

16. Paul Shanahan Carbery Rangers

17. Aidan Moynihan Canovee

18. Andrew Murphy St. Michael’s

19. Enda Dennehy St. Finbarr’s

20. Ian Maguire St. Finbarr’s

21. Darren Kelly Macroom

22. Peter Kelly Kilmichael

23. Dan O’Connor Eire Óg

24. Conor O’Driscoll Goleen

Captain: Brian O’Driscoll

Five of the starting fifteen played in the defeat by Dublin in last year’s All-Ireland Championship: Jamie Davis, Stephen Cronin, Brian O’Driscoll, Killian McIntyre and Cathal Vaughan. This game is the first Championship match under the stewardship of manager Ephie Fitzgerald and his selectors.